Eliza kiewin



E. K IRWIN. GATAMENIAL SACK.

(No Model.)

Patented Feb. 13', 1894.

INVENTOI? UNITED STATES- PATENT OFFICE.

ELIZA KIRWIN, OF INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA.

'CATAMENlAL SACK.

SPEGIFIGATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 514,717, dated February 13, 1894. Application filedseptember 19, 1893- Serial No. 485,819- (No model.)

To all whom it maly concern:

Be it known that I, ELIZA KIRWIN, a citizen of the United'States, residing at Indianapolis, in the county of Marion and State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Oatamenial Sacks, of which the following is a specification.

This invention is for the purpose of catching and holding menstrual or urinal flow, in cases of necessity, in a manner which shall be both cleanly and effective. An apparatus embodying my invention will be first fully described, and the novel features thereof then pointed out in the claim.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, which are made a part hereof, and on which similarletters of reference indicate similar parts, Figure 1 is a perspective view ofmy improved apparatus in position for use upon a human body which is shown in dotted lines; Fig. 2 a side elevation of the sack and adjacent portions of its attachments; Fig. 3 a plan view of the upper end thereof, and Fig. A a fragmentary sectional View of a portion of said apparatus.

In said drawings the portions marked A represent the sack; B a sponge cup arranged in the mouth of said sack; C a perforated rubber shield placed over said mouth; D suspending straps to the sack, and E the suspenders to which said straps are attached.

The sack A is a fiat sack made of a fine grade of india rubber, with a mouth substantially round, and of sufficient size for the purpose. Said sack is fiat in its general shape, so that it can be conveniently carried between the legs of the user.

The sponge B is in the shape of a cup, and is placed within the mouth or upper end of the sack, and serves both to hold said mouth distended and to receive and retain fragments of solid matter, which it is enabled to do by means of its cup shape while the liquid passes on into the lower end .of the sack.

Said sponge is obviously capable of being easily removed and cleaned, and replaced,or another substituted. It is held from falling to the lower end of the sack by a string b passing through it, (and preferably through a rubber washer thereunder) the ends of which string may be attached to the suspending straps D, or to the buckles E. As will be seen, the sack is left free and unoccupied except at the neck or upper end, which enables it to hold a greater quantity of liquid than if it were filled with sponge; while the sponge beinglocated as shown serves equally as well in keeping the liquid in place as if it occupiedthe whole sack.

The shield O is formed of thin and finely finished india rubber having a very smooth surface, and is interposed between the remainder of the apparatus andthe person of the wearer. Its surface being very smooth and soft, it will not chafe the skin, or otherwise cause discomfort. Its central' portion has a number of perforations, as shown in Fig. 3, through which the flow is discharged into the sack. Its form is such that when put in place it serves to some extent as a funnel, guiding the flow into the mouth of the sack. The strings b may pass through some of the holes, and thus secure this shield piece in place.

The straps D are plain straps, and are secured to the front and rear edges of the sack A just below its mouth, and are adapted to be secured to the suspenders E. The suspenders E pass over the shoulders of the wearer, and are secured to the suspending straps D, by buckles E or otherwise.

The use of this device avoids much of the uncleanness and trouble attending ordinary menstrual flow, and in case of diseases where there is a continual flow or leakage of the urine it is of the highest importance.

Having thus fully described my said invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

A catamenial sack consisting of abag having a neck, a sponge secured in said neckbut not extending into the lower portion of said bag, a perforated shield over the top thereof, and suitable devices for attachment to the person, substantially as set forth.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, at Indianapolis, Indiana, this 16th day of September, A. D. 1893.

ELIZA KIRWIN. [LL s] Witnesses:

O. BRADFORD, JAMES A. WALSH. 

